Storing My Wedgwood

I love using my Wedgwood on a weekly basis and I take great care in cleaning and storing it in my home. If you’re like me and like to mix and match your china patterns for table settings, then you probably have a good idea of what a ‘collector’ goes through when displaying and using what one has.  When I say collector, I mean it in the lightest sense.  Although I do have a good amount of certain items, like china & silverware, I wouldn’t say that I’m a devoted collector of one thing.  

The several dozen pieces of Wedgwood that I do own are among my favorite types of china patterns.  When it comes to this china I make sure to keep it protected at all times whether it’s being used for a no-fuss lunch or a gussied up dinner, or being stored in a cabinet.  My love affair with Wedgwood china stems from its inherent beauty in the clean lines of each piece and its practical virtues.  I am always on the lookout to add to my existing collection.  Just about any table setting looks good with it and the fact that you can mix certain patterns makes it even better.

Recently I decided to put a few patterns up in storage so that I could make room for other types of china in a glass-fronted cabinet.  When I say ‘put up in storage’, I actually mean storing it for a long period of time in the attic or basement, away from any place where it might get damaged.  It’s a sort of slumber that I subject my china to every once in awhile.

Long ago (over a decade ago) when I first bought my collectible Wedgwood, I kept every single box that came with each place setting, because I knew they would come in handy in the future.  I'm glad I had this foresight and kept all of those boxes.  To me, they are essential in keeping my Wedgwood china for generations to come.  

If you’re not sure of what I’m talking about I'll show you in a moment.  At Wedgwood, they not only take great pride in their china manufacturing & design, but they also pay close attention to how their gorgeous pieces will arrive to their customers.    

This is a typical place setting from Wedgwood.  A teacup, saucer, bread & butter plate, salad plate and dinner plate can be used to create a marvelous table.  The creamy-ivory color of Queen's Ware makes it suitable for just about any occasion.  What I love most about this pattern is the 'dip' on the rim of each plate.

As you can see, whether I'm using it for a light lunch or for afternoon tea, a piece of this British china is never far from the table.

This is the box I was telling you about.  I'm not sure how long Wedgwood has been making these boxes for their place settings, but they are ingenious.  The insides are compartmentalized so that every single piece fits just so.

I always begin by placing the dinner plate in the lower chamber.  Next, I open up the divider and place the salad plate just above it.

After those two pieces have been placed, the others go facing in the opposite direction.  The compartments for the bread & butter plate and saucer occupy triangular spaces.  I place those in there so that they have a snug fit.  At no point do I jam the plates in there.  

Last but not least is the tea cup.  A small half-moon shape piece of cardboard gets slipped into its place and the teacup simply nests there.  Done!

Before I close and secure the opening to the box I make sure nothing is shifting and nothing is scraping.  Everything fits perfectly.

Thank You Wedgwood for creating such precise boxes for storage!

A box with eight place settings is now packed and ready to get stored away.

Enjoy using your Wedgwood for generations to come.

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David